Remarkable Johnny Manziel

A Short Story by Emmanuel Perez

Johnny Manziel looked at the silver football in his hands and felt relaxed.

He walked over to the window and reflected on his gawdy surroundings. He had always loved American Dallas with its creepy, chubby Cowboys. It was a place that encouraged his tendency to feel relaxed.

Then he saw something in the distance, or rather someone. It was the figure of Jerry Jones. Jerry was a cowardly coward with dirty feet and fragile hands.

Johnny gulped. He glanced at his own reflection. He was a remarkable, clumsy, whiskey drinker with fat feet and ugly hands. His friends saw him as a spluttering, spotless saint. Once, he had even revived a dying, Johnny’s reputation.

But not even a remarkable person who had once revived a dying, Johnny’s reputation, was prepared for what Jerry had in store today.

The clouds danced like shouting Cowboys, making Johnny calm.

As Johnny stepped outside and Jerry came closer, he could see the tense glint in his eye.

Jerry gazed with the affection of 7730 intuitive pickled Patriots. He said, in hushed tones, “I love you and I want dedication.”

Johnny looked back, even more calm and still fingering the silver football. “Jerry, I will wreck this league,” he replied.

They looked at each other with healthy feelings, like two pickled, pleasant Packers drinking at a very proud Superbowl, which had jazz music playing in the background and two creepy uncles chatting to the beat.

Johnny studied Jerry’s dirty feet and fragile hands. Eventually, he took a deep breath. “I’m sorry,” began Johnny in apologetic tones, “but I don’t feel the same way, and I never will. I just don’t love you Jerry.”